Remote Lead Process Engineer - Sustainable Chemistry

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level bonuses

Premium medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development support

Home office setup

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Process Engineer for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will lead the design, optimization, and scale‑up of sustainable chemical processes, mentor engineers, and coordinate with global teams to improve efficiency and environmental performance.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years of leadership in green chemistry, proficiency in Aspen Plus or gPROMS, and strong process safety knowledge.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master in Chemical Engineering with a focus on sustainable or green chemistry.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering with leadership.
• Expertise in sustainable process design, catalysis, renewable feedstocks, and circular economy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of sustainable chemical processes.
• Develop and implement strategies for process intensification, waste minimization, and resource efficiency.
• Conduct simulations, techno-economic analyses, and life cycle assessments.
• Mentor and guide a team of process engineers, fostering technical excellence.
• Collaborate virtually with R&D, operations, and business development teams.
• Ensure safety, environmental performance and regulatory compliance in designs.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Communication

Education

PhD or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

gPROMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking organization at the forefront of sustainable chemistry, is seeking an experienced Lead Process Engineer to join their team in a fully remote capacity. This senior role is pivotal in driving the development and implementation of eco‑friendly chemical processes and technologies. You will lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with global teams to enhance operational sustainability and efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a deep expertise in green chemistry principles, process intensification, and advanced process control, all while excelling in a remote work environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of sustainable chemical manufacturing from your home base, contributing significantly from anywhere in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, optimization, and scale‑up of innovative and sustainable chemical processes.
• Develop and implement strategies for process intensification, waste minimization, and resource efficiency.
• Conduct rigorous process simulations, techno‑economic analyses, and life cycle assessments.
• Mentor and guide a team of process engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate virtually with R&D, operations, and business development teams to identify and execute new opportunities.
• Ensure all process designs comply with the highest standards of safety, environmental performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and digital tools for process design and management.
• Prepare and present technical proposals, project updates, and reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization's chemical processes.
• Effectively manage complex projects and team dynamics within a fully remote, global setting.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with a strong focus on sustainable or green chemistry.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in sustainable process design, catalysis, renewable feedstocks, and circular economy principles.
• Proficiency in advanced process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, gPROMS) and data analytics platforms.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) and environmental regulations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, adept at leading remote teams.
• Proven ability to drive innovation and manage complex, cross‑functional projects.
• Must be highly self‑directed, strategic, and capable of making critical decisions independently.
• Experience in coordinating global R&D and manufacturing efforts is highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work remotely in South Africa.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, executive-level bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including premium medical aid, top-tier retirement fund, and extensive professional development support. Our client provides resources for home office setup and champions work‑life balance. You will have the opportunity to work on cutting‑edge projects that have a global impact, contributing to a more sustainable future in chemistry, supported by innovative digital tools and a collaborative remote culture. Your contributions from anywhere support our client's strategic goals, even if their core operations are near Sandton.